Former Manchester City midfielder Rodri has expressed his belief in the club's innocence following reports that they were found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations.
Key facts
- •Reports indicate Manchester City was found guilty on 114 of the 115 financial charges brought by the Premier League.
- •Rodri made nearly 200 appearances for Manchester City before moving to Barcelona in August.
- •The Premier League case covers a period during which the club won eight trophies, including three league titles.
- •In 2020, Manchester City successfully appealed a two-year UEFA ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
- •Rodri stated that the club's players have been told by the organization that they never committed any wrongdoing.
Former Manchester City midfielder Rodri has publicly defended his former club following reports that they were found guilty of breaching the majority of 115 Premier League financial charges. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Spain’s Nations League match against England, the 30-year-old maintained his trust in the club’s innocence. Rodri, who joined Barcelona in August, stated that the players continue to believe in the club's position until any wrongdoing is definitively proven.
Comparison to Previous Legal Challenges
Rodri drew parallels between the current situation and a 2020 case involving UEFA, where Manchester City was initially handed a two-year ban from European competition. That decision was later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, resulting in the club being acquitted. Rodri cited this experience as a basis for his continued confidence in the current judicial process, noting that while the accusations differ, the procedural nature feels similar to the previous case.
Defense of Club Achievements
Addressing concerns regarding potential sanctions, including the possibility of being stripped of titles, Rodri insisted that the team's past successes remain valid. He emphasized that the trophies won during his tenure were earned through daily effort, partnership, and hard work from the entire organization, including owners, staff, and players. He characterized his time at the Etihad Stadium as one of the best eras in English football and maintained that those achievements cannot be taken away.
Club Stance on Allegations
Manchester City has consistently denied the charges brought by the Premier League in February 2023. A club spokesperson stated that significant elements of the legal case remain to be completed. While various outlets reported that the club was found guilty on all but one of the 115 charges, the club is expected to appeal the findings.
Timeline
- 2020Manchester City was cleared of separate financial fair play charges by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
- February 2023The Premier League laid 115 charges against Manchester City for alleged financial rule breaches.
- AugustRodri joined Barcelona after ending his spell at Manchester City.
- FridayMultiple outlets reported that Manchester City had been found guilty of the majority of the charges.
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